Richard Neutra / Ojai

Peaking out of the greenery in beautiful Ojai is the Bald House by Richard Neutra.

Built for Howard and Lois Bald in 1941. Howard was a horsemaster at a nearby school. The two-acre site overlooks the Ojai Valley to the west and the mountains to the east. This is one of just two houses Neutra designed in Ojai.

The current owners purchased it 35 years ago. Sydney was a fan of Neutra's work and saw the ad in Variety magazine. They have been excellent caretakers, which included reversing a number of changes made by a previous owner. Luckily the cabinetry and hardware were never altered. As you'll see in the photos below, it's in remarkable original condition.

Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Stucco with redwood is alternated around the house.

Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

The screened porch.

 Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

This note is on the door leading to the blue-green room.

According to the owners, this shade is a tad darker than the original blue-green specified by Neutra.

This is the curved corner from the other side.

The bathrooms are all original, which is rare.

A perfectly placed mirror.

This was part of a self-guided tour led by my buddy californiadesignfactory to go along with the Central Coast Modern exhibition we co-curated at the Museum of Ventura County. Speaking of, it ends on February 23rd.